YHA New Zealand Heads to China

A few years ago the
tourism industry dismissed China as a potential source of
backpacker and free independent travellers. Today the
reality couldn't be farther off the mark with Chinese
travellers ranking fifth in overall source markets for YHA
New Zealand.

YHA New Zealand is visiting China this week
to participate in the YHA China Managers’ Conference to
share ideas around establishing environmental sustainability
practices and, more importantly, to learn more about how YHA
China services and markets to their large domestic
market.

YHA China has nearly 300 Youth Hostels throughout
China and benefits from a strong domestic market.

Simon
Cartwright, YHA New Zealand’s Manager, Hostel Operations,
is attending the Conference with a view to share New
Zealand's operational processes. Brian Westwood, Manager,
Marketing and Sales, will tour Beijing, Xi'an, Shenzhen and
Hong Kong to visit hostels and meet Managers and
staff.

YHA New Zealand recently undertook a significant
research study with the Ministry of Business, Innovation,
and Employment (MBIE) to better understand the behaviour and
preferences of existing Chinese guests and the Chinese
market. This visit gives YHA New Zealand an invaluable
insight into how YHA China promotes similar products to
their own people.

Mr Westwood says, “We are in the
fortunate position to be part of a global network that opens
doors to viewing how fellow YHA Associations operate. Being
able to get a behind-the-scenes look, and the opportunity to
really understand what works domestically for Chinese
backpackers in their own market, will help identify what
steps we need to take to improve their experiences in New
Zealand.”

About YHA New ZealandThe Youth
Hostels Association of New Zealand, (YHA New Zealand) is a
not-for-profit association that was established in 1932 in
Canterbury. With a network of over 45 hostels in both
islands, YHA New Zealand provides high quality budget
accommodation to New Zealanders and international
travellers. YHA New Zealand is a committed advocate of
sustainable practices. For more information please visit: http://www.yha.co.nz.

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